Top 20 Natural Monuments around Matterdale
Best natural monuments around Matterdale are found within the Lake District National Park, offering diverse natural features. The region is characterized by fells, waterfalls, and expansive landscapes, providing various outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore numerous summits and viewpoints that showcase the area's geological formations. These natural features around Matterdale Lake District cater to different activity levels, from moderate walks to challenging climbs.
Best natural monuments around Matterdale
- The most popular natural monuments is Catbells Summit, a summit that offers…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Catbells Summit
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Helvellyn Summit
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Blencathra Summit
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Gowbarrow Fell summit
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Skiddaw Summit
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Both decent options between Skiddaw South Top and Skiddaw, south west heading towards Carl Side, require sure footedness and appear rather treacherous as you head off the top down the scree.
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Skiddaw is frequently dismissed as dull and featureless. In the right conditions however, its (comparitively) smooth contours appear to soften the harsh, bleak summit plateau. The boundary between land and sky starts to become less distinct and it takes on an eerie stillness.
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Skiddaw is a prominent mountain in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England, and Carl Side is one of the subsidiary peaks along the ridge leading to Skiddaw. Here's some information about the Skiddaw via Carl Side route: Route Description: The ascent of Skiddaw via Carl Side is a popular hiking route. It often begins at the Latrigg car park and ascends via Carl Side, providing stunning views of the surrounding Lake District landscape. Carl Side Summit: Carl Side is a fell (mountain or hill) situated to the southeast of Skiddaw. While not as high as Skiddaw, it offers fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and fells. Scenic Landscape: The route to Skiddaw via Carl Side takes hikers through a diverse landscape, including grassy slopes and rocky terrain. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you ascend, offering picturesque views of Derwentwater and the Keswick area. Skiddaw Summit: Skiddaw itself is the fourth-highest mountain in England, standing at 931 meters (3,054 feet). The summit provides breathtaking views of the Lake District, the Pennines, and, on clear days, even the Scottish mountains. Hiking Difficulty: While the route is popular, it's important to note that the ascent can be challenging, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather, and the ascent can be steep in places. Access Points: The Latrigg car park near Keswick is a common starting point for this hike. From there, the trail takes you up Carl Side and eventually to Skiddaw's summit. Weather Considerations: As with any mountain hike, it's crucial to check weather conditions before setting out and be prepared for changes in weather, especially during winter when conditions can be more challenging. Duration: The duration of the hike can vary based on individual hiking speed and conditions. It's advisable to plan for a full day, especially if you want to take your time to enjoy the scenery. Always ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and navigation tools. Additionally, it's a good idea to let someone know your hiking plans and estimated return time for safety.
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Standing 930m above sea level, Skiddaw is well worth the hike. There is a reasonable amount of ascent but nothing technical. The fell can be climbed from Keswick (15km) or from the car park.
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Well a Wainwrights, Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn and a 600m prominent peak to boot. My first time here and I must say an outing to do all of the Skiddaw group summits in a day is a superb outing.
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A walk to the top of Helvellyn is one of the most popular and adventurous walks in the Lake District through both Swirral Edge and Striding Edge ridges.
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Great walk and not too difficult. I would always recommend heading up the Ullswater way towards the summit as that's where you'll get the best views of Ullswater. Funnily enough, Wainwright described the summit itself as "drab"! ... Perhaps a bit harsh, but certainly the best views are to be found on the path thereto! I wrote about my walk here on my blog: https://weekendwalk.co.uk/wainwright-walk-gowbarrow-fell-aira-force/
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One of the popular fells blencathra doesn't disappoint with scales tarn sharp edge and the summit views on a clear day
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Frequently Asked Questions
What diverse natural features can I explore around Matterdale?
Matterdale, situated within the Lake District National Park, offers a variety of natural features including fells, impressive waterfalls, and expansive landscapes. You can find numerous summits and viewpoints showcasing the area's geological formations. For example, Catbells Summit provides fun terrain and spectacular views, while Helvellyn Summit offers a challenging horseshoe ridge and magnificent vistas.
Are there challenging hikes among the natural monuments in Matterdale?
Yes, Matterdale is home to several challenging natural monuments and hikes. Helvellyn Summit is known for its legendary Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, offering a high-level loop. Another challenging option is Blencathra Summit, which features glorious ridges like Sharp Edge and Hall’s Fell ridge for experienced scramblers. For more challenging routes, you can explore the running trails around Matterdale, which include difficult options like the Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell loop.
What are some family-friendly natural monuments or walks near Matterdale?
For families, Catbells Summit is a classic Lakeland outing, offering fun terrain and manageable scrambling that's popular with all ages. Additionally, the Aira Force waterfall area provides easy, shorter walks like the Aira Force and Aira Beck loop. You can find more easy trails suitable for families in the waterfall hikes around Matterdale guide, such as an easy version of the Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Trail.
Where can I find panoramic viewpoints of the Lake District near Matterdale?
Matterdale offers several natural monuments with exceptional panoramic views. Skiddaw Summit, despite its barren top, provides a phenomenal view of Lakeland to the south. Gowbarrow Fell summit rewards visitors with awesome Ullswater views to the south and vistas of the Mell Fells and Blencathra to the north. Great Mell Fell also offers a unique viewpoint for the Northern fells and the Eden Valley and Pennines to the East.
What outdoor activities are available near Matterdale's natural monuments?
Beyond exploring the natural monuments themselves, the Matterdale area provides various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes that take you through scenic landscapes, such as the Ullswater Lakeshore Road loop. Additionally, dedicated waterfall hikes are popular, allowing you to experience the captivating Aira Force.
Is there a prominent waterfall natural monument in the Matterdale area?
Yes, Aira Force is a well-known and captivating waterfall near Matterdale. It's a popular natural attraction where the Aira Beck tumbles over a series of cascades, creating a breathtaking spectacle of mist and water. Trails allow visitors to hike alongside the waterfall, experiencing its natural beauty. You can find various routes that include Aira Force in the waterfall hikes around Matterdale guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Matterdale?
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views and diverse terrain offered by Matterdale's natural monuments. For instance, the hike along Catbells Summit is loved for its fun terrain, mind-boggling views of the Borrowdale valley, and numerous picnic spots. The phenomenal views of Lakeland from Skiddaw Summit and the magnificent vistas from Helvellyn Summit are also highly appreciated.
Are there any natural monuments in Matterdale that are particularly wild or remote?
Yes, the 'Back o' Skiddaw' area, associated with Skiddaw Summit, is known for being particularly wild and remote. This sprawling mountain offers a sense of sheer presence and a rugged landscape for those seeking a more secluded experience in the northern fells.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Matterdale for hiking?
The Lake District, including Matterdale, is beautiful year-round, but the best time for hiking generally spans from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is milder and days are longer. During these months, trails are typically clearer, and the views are often at their most vibrant. However, some natural monuments like Blencathra Summit can be enjoyed in various conditions, with routes available for different experience levels.
Can I combine a visit to a natural monument with a waterfall experience in Matterdale?
Absolutely. Gowbarrow Fell summit can be combined with a hike to Aira Force, the famous waterfall that tumbles down a ravine on its southwestern flanks. This allows you to enjoy both the stunning Ullswater views from the fell and the captivating cascades of Aira Force in a single outing. The Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Trail is a popular moderate route that offers both.
Are there any natural monuments in Matterdale that are considered Wainwright summits?
Yes, Gowbarrow Fell summit is described as a gloriously accessible Wainwright summit. It's located on the northern shore of Ullswater and is a popular choice for those looking to bag a Wainwright while enjoying stunning views.
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